The Distance Between Us

Chapter 4

Wednesday 20th January 1965

Presidential Limousine

Jack smiled and waved out of the car window as he and Jackie headed back to the White House. He may be smiling and looking happy but it was a façade. He felt awful and he knew Jackie did too. He glanced at her to find her waving and weakly smiling. He moved his hand over to her back and rubbed it. She turned to face him. “Your speech was great Bunny.” Jackie said trying to smile.

“Thanks. You look really lovely today in that ruby suit.”

She blushed. “Thank you.”

She turned back to face the crowd, her husband’s words ringing in her ears. The last thing she felt these days was lovely. When they arrived at the White House Jack helped his wife out of the car. “I’m just going to freshen up before joining you on the balcony.” Jackie said as they walked up the stairs.

“Ok kid. Hurry you’ll miss the parade.”

She nodded and disappeared into the residence. Jack took his hat off and gave it to Jerry. “Burn it I don’t care. I’m never wearing it again.”

Jerry smiled. “Of course sir.”

When Jack walked out he got a cheer. He waved and joined Lyndon and Bobby. “Where’s Jackie?” Lyndon asked.

“She’s just freshening up.” Jack replied as he sat down. It was bitterly cold but he wanted to see the parade.

After ten minutes Jack was agitated. He leaned over to Bobby. “I’m going to check on Jackie.”

Bobby nodded. Jack silently got up and headed inside. He headed down the hall before closing the residence door. He could hear someone crying. Jack silently slipped into Jackie’s room and found her sobbing. Without saying anything he sat down beside her and brought her into him. Lightly he kissed her head.

“Jack?” Jackie sniffed.

“Yes kid?”

“I’m sorry…..it’s just so hard. I….I really wanted another child.”

“I know kid, I know. I wanted another one too and we will do in the future we just need to get through this stage.”

Jackie nodded. “I’m scared Jack.”

“About what?” Jack asked rubbing her arm.

“The trip to Europe….I don’t know if I can do it.”

“You can Jackie. Just think we’re going to Paris and Berlin. I need you the world leaders don’t like me they like you.”

Jackie laughed.

“I’ll look after you I promise. I don’t think I could go if you didn’t come.” Jack whispered.

“Oh bunny how did we get to this stage?” Jackie asked rubbing her eyes.

“I really don’t know kid.” Jack said as he kissed her cheek.

They sat in silence for a few moments in each other’s arms. “We need to go back out there Jackie.”

“I know.”

While Jack was in the bathroom, Jackie re-applied her make-up and brushed her hair. When Jack returned she took his arm and they headed back out to the balcony.

They sat down next to each other and watched the parade. Their heads were close together so only they could hear what each other was saying. Jack slipped his hand into hers while Jackie placed her hand on his knee. He smiled and rested her head against hers. The press were ecstatic they’d never seen the First Couple act like this before.

Jack turned so he was facing her ear. “Look at the building opposite but three down and look at the top window. The couple are doing a lot more than watching the parade.” Jack whispered.

Jackie giggled and turned to look. “Do you remember when we use to do things like that?”

He laughed. “How could I forget?”

Jackie smiled and leaned against him trying to keep warm. After an hour most people had gone inside to heat up before the inaugural balls. Once the parade was over Jack and Jackie headed to the residence. Bobby followed them suspiciously. Jack was about to close the door when Bobby jumped in front of him.

“What the hell are you trying to do?” Jack asked shocked.

“Why were you and Jackie so cute and cuddly?”

Jack rolled his eyes. “If you really must know it’s been really hard dealing with the miscarriage and I was trying to keep her cheery.”

Bobby didn’t know what to say. “Eh….ok see you later.”

Jack sighed and closed the door.